Macy & Mia was created by artist DJ Victory and it’s such a fun exciting brand. We were lucky enough to receive products from this cruelty-free line and we’re having a ball using them. Even better though is introducing you to the brand knowing that they donate 10% of retail sales to Pay It Forward For Pets, a 100% non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals in need. DJ Victory is a hero to us in that way.

MARCIA HAS A UNICORN BRUSH COLLECTION AND THE SILICONE SPONGE

Macy & Mia Silicone Sponge Makeup Applicator

I’m sure you’ve read about the new Silicone Sponges. These work to help you with your foundation application. Macy & Mia’s is the only one I’ve tried and I love the bright pink of it. The silicone sponge has a thermoplastic polyurethane outer shell and is filled with silicone. It’s soft and pliable and it’s PINK!!

Macy & Mia Silicone Sponge Applicator

There’s a learning curve with this kind of applicator that can be frustrating but once you have it down you’ll find that just a drop of foundation is enough to cover your entire face. ($7.99)

The 5 PIECE NEON BRUSH SET is the cutest item I have in my collection. These cruelty-free magical brushes have added some fun to my vanity.Macy & Mia have a variety of Unicorn brushes that would make the best graduation gift for someone in your life. They are fun, colorful, vegan, cruelty-free brushes that will bring a smile to someone’s face.

Macy & Mia Neon Unicorn Brush Set

The 5 piece Neon Unicorn Brush Set is on sale right now for $14.99 which is a great price, regular price is $24.99. There are 4 face brushes and 1 eyeshadow brush with neon synthetic bristles. These are super soft so they are lovable!

Macy & Mia Neon Unicorn Brush Set

In addition to this set there are others like a 5 piece Pastel collection and a 5 piece Multi-colored collection (3 face, 2 eye brushes, $14.99), a 10 piece Unicorn collection (6 face, 4 eye, $$24.99), and their 11 piece Original Brush set in a makeup pouch ($49.99)

Macy and Mia Original Brush Set

The vibe I get from Macy & Mia is a “girls just wanna have fun” one and I love that fun.

Macy & Mia Lip Liner in Samantha and Tristan

LISA HAS CRUELTY-FREE LIPSTICK/LIP LINER SETS

Ok, true confession: when I first saw the colors of these lip sets, two words ran through my mind: OH NO. I never thought in a million years that these shades would work for me…plus they are matte. That alone is usually the kiss of death for my thin, skinny lips. My MO is to brighten my lips up as much as possible and give them all the thickness I can get without needles full of Restalyne, typically with tons of shine and shimmer and pinky/rosy/peachy shades. But I was very happy to give the Matte Liquid Lipstick & Lip Liner Sets a whirl, especially after I read this quote from DJ Victory:

“It’s my hope that each morning when women apply their makeup that they will remember that they are beautiful with or without it. I try to be always grateful for what I have. Sometimes that is difficult when we live in a society that makes us feel less than if we don’t meet certain beauty standards. I hope these beautiful colored lipsticks and fluttery eyelashes remind women to always see the beauty within themselves and others as well as to show compassion, teach gratitude, and remain humble.”

How can you not adore her??

Macy & Mia Liquid Lipstick in Samantha and Tristan

Macy & Mia Lip Liner in Samantha and Tristan

Ok, so back to the Matte Liquid Lipstick and Lip Liner Sets($24.99). The Lip Liner is a gel liner that glides on and creates a perfect canvas for the Matte Liquid Lipstick. Matte lipsticks are notorious for showing every crack and wrinkle, so a matching creamy lip liner that also acts as a moisturizing balm is a total bonus. Lucky for us, the liners come free with these! The shades are very interesting – the two I tested are most definitely throwback shades to the 1990’s, which is a lot of fun. If you wear them full on, they dry matte and stay on for a long time with strong opaque color. Or, as I discovered, you can blot blot blot right after application, and they are the shy sister of the full on bold color – pretty, feminine, still unique but oh so wearable at any age. Yay!!!! These are sets that my 17-year-old steals when I’m not looking, but I still want them enough to refuse to give them up. They are pretty terrific.

Macy and Misa Tristan Liquid Lipstick (macyandmia.com)

Tristan Liquid Lipstick is a cool coco brown that takes me right back to 1996. Interestingly, I see this shade on the high school girls all of the time now…it’s definitely making a comeback. I never thought I could wear it, and when I first put it on I was like, oh hell no.

Macy & Mia Liquid Lipstick in Tristan

Macy & Mia Lip Liner and Liquid Lipstick swatches in Tristan

Wearing Macy and Mia Liquid Lipstick in Tristan

Luckily I grabbed a tissue and did the classic lip blot three times, which was the exact magic formula to make this shade work beautifully for me.

Macy and Mia Samantha Liquid Lipstick (macyandmia.com)

The Samantha Liquid Lipstick is a smokey lavender with grey undertones. Again, I thought oh no way can I pull this off. But guess what? With the three magical blots I not only pull it off, I love it!! It turns into a soft grey purple berry shade that is different and feminine. So pretty and it reminds me of spring lilacs.

I am just shocked that I love the shades Tristan and Samantha, and I adore the moisturizing lip liner and liquid lipstick combo. In fact, I would go so far as to say I am rather obsessed. I really want to try Jennifer, which is a deep pink; Jessica, which is a pale peach; and Heather, which is a mauve/neutral nude. I honestly can’t wait to try them all.

A the BIZ, we love animals as much as we love cosmetics. So it’s no surprise that we adore the super fun Macy & Mialine and are thrilled that part of the profits go toward Pay It Forward For Pets, a 100% non-profit organization dedicated to helping animals in need. We really hope you check out this whimsical yet practical line for yourself!!

We love IT Cosmetics and we love the QVC Today’s Special Value sets, so when these stars collide it’s time to break out that credit card. The latest TSV special is the IT Cosmetics TSV 6-Piece Holiday Set – sold separately, the six items would set you back $185. For one day, you can have it all for $59.94 – a really incredible price for six essential IT Cosmetics products. The Today’s Special Value offer on November 20th ends at 11:59 pm PT. Don’t be late to the party.

While IT Cosmetics has been a huge favorite of ours for years, Lisa and Marcia have certain products that they consider to be essential. Read on for their take on these six IT Cosmetics superstars.

LISA’S PICKS:

I always have a tube of Bye Bye Undereye Anti-Aging Concealer on hand. I’ve used this full coverage concealer for years and it is one of the best out there. It looks natural but covers even the darkest of undereye circles.

IT Cosmetics Bye Bye Undereye Concealer

I have also gone through several pans of the Celebration Foundation Illumination. This is a soft, creamy, full coverage powder foundation that doesn’t make my face look dry. I swirl it on with a fluffy brush to cover all imperfections, plus it provides great sun protection. I use it all the time as a setting powder over liquid foundation, too.

IT Cosmetics Celebration Foundation in Medium

I am a sucker for lava lamps and mood rings, so the Vitality Lip Flush 4-in-1 Reviver Lipstick Stain in Je Ne Sais Quoi is a big favorite just because the final color varies depending on body chemistry. This lipstick is actually four products in one: lipstick, antiaging conditioning lip balm, hydrating lip gloss, and a lip stain. The ingredients, including vitamins A, C, and E, hydrate, condition, and minimize the appearance of wrinkles. The initial shine gradually wears off, leaving an even, long-wearing stain.

IT Cosmetics Je Ne Sais Quoi

MARCIA’S PICKS:

I think I’ve talked about Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara at least 500 times because it’s that good. There are several products that I can’t live without, including the Bye-Bye Eyes Concealer, and Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara is one of them. Since this set is the Superstar set they just had to include this and I’m very happy that they did. This is more than a mascara – it’s a conditioning primer, lash enhancing serum, lash tint and lash comb/curler all wrapped up in one special mascara. The Lash Ball Detailer on the top is there to add length, volume and to separate.

IT Cosmetics Hello Lashes 5-in-1 Volumizing Mascara

Another Superstar is the Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil which receives awards from QVC year after year. The wind up pencil is a universal color made to match all hair color. It adheres well to your skin and helps cover gray in case you have that problem. The fine point makes it easy to draw in hairs too. The spoolie on the opposite helps start or finish your eyebrows so they look perfect.

IT Cosmetics Brow Power Universal Eyebrow Pencil.

I’m a giant fan of IT Cosmetics brushes and the fabulous new Heavenly Luxe Master Brush is worth the price of this TSV all by itself. Once you touch this brush you won’t turn back to an ordinary brush. It’s a synthetic brush, since everything from IT Cosmetics is cruelty free, that is custom cut to form the unique head. Besides feeling heavenly the uses are heavenly too. Use it with the Celebration Foundation that is one of the Superstar items but also use it with your favorite foundations, concealers, blushes, bronzer and finishing powders. This is going to be a workhorse for you but it will feel like a work kitty.

IT Cosmetics Superstar TSV for November 20, 2015

These 5 Superstar products plus the Heavenly Luxe Master Brush (which will surely become a Superstar) make up this special TSV. The price of this set is amazing since you’ll receive old favorites as well as new ones that will become favorites. Jump on it Friday, November 20, 2015 at midnight EST and during the day so your foundation and concealer shade doesn’t sell out.

I am all about purses, but not really the latest…although I definitely appreciate a Chanel or a Prada when I see one! My style is more boho or vintage, and when I find a gorgeous vintage purse I just about turn inside out. I love my stunning vintage purse that was actually a gift to me from my most beloved friend, who obviously understands my preferences because it is perfect for me.

It may not have a label, but I love it!

Now, I am a realist and I know I am a major procrastinator (just ask my poor, ever-patient blogging partner Marcia), so I just keep this purse filled with the perfect products at all times. That way, when I am running late for a fancy evening or event – and I am ALWAYS running late – I can just grab this and go, knowing that I have everything I need.

My favorite dressy purse contains a few beautiful and essential items that I was sent last year from Mont Bleu, an online site that features Swarovski jewelry and crystal nail files. This particular makeup mirror is still available – you can find it right HERE.

I always have a nail file with me and I love this crystal file from Mont Bleu.

My Senna Blush & Bronze Duo in Beached Peach is always perfect for touch ups…have you ever noticed that nothing perks up your look quicker than a bit of blush?? I also love my little Crown Brush C109 Mini Bronzer Brush. Exactly what is needed for a purse.

Senna and Crown

Luck favors the prepared with the Minimergency Kit. It’s from the ‘Good Luck Series’ and the little four-leaf clover never fails to make me feel lucky. This little kit holds 16 different items that are truly essentials and it’s only 3.5″ x 2″ x 2″ so it fits into the palm of your hand. I am astounded at what fits into this mini life saver: hairspray; dental floss, band aids, and Blistex; Advil; a mini sewing kit that also includes a set of earring backs and clear elastics; and double-sided tape, breath mint drops; an emery board; a tampon; and clear nail polish. Just think of how many times you wished you had one of those items and couldn’t find one anywhere. Also included are three foil packs: nail polish remover, stain remover, and a deodorant towelette.

I use a wonderful little box that came with some Nudestix items to house my lippies. I always have a lip balm and this one is Savannah BeeBeautiful Sugar Lip Balm. My lipstick is the gorgeous Julie HewettOona Noir, and I love it with my Alison RaffaeleLip Gloss in Luscious, a shimmery gold, over top. I also carry my Face StockholmLip Brush that is the perfect size.

The last items I throw into my purse before heading out the door include my phone, a Samsung Galaxy. I know people love their iPhones, but I am an Android girl all the way.

Finally, oh how I adore my retro GARRETT LEIGHT Wilson Mirrored sunglasses that I bought from ShopBop. They have mirrored, gradient lenses and actually came with a hard case and cleaning cloth too. They are the most expensive sunglasses I have ever owned, but worth every single penny. They are still available on ShopBop in blue and in purple.

GARRETT LEIGHT Wilson Mirrored sunglasses

That’s all that is in my purse! Thanks for reading, and be sure to check out the inspiring ‘What’s in my purse’ post from the other amazing ladies on the Beauty Spotlight Team. – Lisa

*some items are press samples that have become staples; others gifts or purchased by me*

As a dedicated and devout cosmetic junkie, I need/want/desire quality tools in my life. VADAE Beauty has created several brushes and kits to solve that problem. The kit I was sent is the Everyday Makeup Kit which contains 8 brushes and the amazing VADAE pro brush cleaner. It arrives in a see through plastic pouch to store your brushes and to take them with you wherever you go. This post is going to be picture heavy so you can see for yourself just how nice the brushes in this kit are!

“Create a beautiful finish with this dome-shaped powder makeup brush. Ideal for applying loose powder on the face.” My assessment – this is soft and does the exact job it’s meant to do. Be sure to tap off the excess and then use the brush to buff loose powder to your face to set your makeup.

“This angle-shaped makeup brush is ideal for contouring cheeks and cheekbones.” My assessment – I love how soft this is and I wish I could have kept it pristine like this but I just have to use this. It’s a little larger than I like for a blush brush but it has so many uses since I can use it for powder, bronzer, highlighting powders and an all over blending brush for my cheeks.

“Use this makeup brush to give a nice even distribution of product. The combination of goat hair and synthetic bristles give an airbrushed finish look.” My assessment – I love a duo fiber (skunk brush) and get a lot of use out of this brush. It’s perfect for highly pigmented powders on my face. I like it to brush a light coating of a highlighting powder since it gives it a diffused look.

“The layered, tapered bristles of the Deluxe Foundation makeup brush help your makeup blend into a flawless finish. The large head makes application quick and easy to apply over the entire face.” My assessment – this is a great foundation brush. It’s soft and never scratches, it makes liquid and cream foundations look flawless.

“This small concealer makeup brush is perfect for applying and blending concealer under eyes or for small area coverage.” My assessment – they got it right when they described this as being great for small area coverage. The best use for me with this concealer brush is to get up close to my eyelashes and to use this in the inner corner of my eye.

“Used for applying cream eyeshadows, this medium-sized makeup brush allows for quick application and blending on the eyelid. It can be used with creams as well as loose and pressed powders.” My assessment – I didn’t even realize this was meant for cream shadows until I started writing the review so I instantly used it that way and it’s great. I like using this for my everyday powder shadows and it’s actually my favorite brush in the kit that way.

“The angled tip of the Angle Shadow makeup brush easily sweeps color over your eye lid. Work color onto your brow and under the orbital bone.” My assessment – I use this angled eyeshadow brush for my browbone area. It fits in perfectly and is big enough to cover that whole area. Later I use it to blend the light brow shade with my crease color to remove harsh lines.

“The rounded edge of the Lip Definer makeup brush allows for controlled application along the lip line while the flat side is ideal for filling in. It features flexible fibers and may be used to blend lip pencils, lip gloss, or lipsticks with ease to create definition or modify lip shape.” My assessment – I like a firmer and slightly larger brush for lipstick when I decide to use a brush. The way I’ve been using this a lot though is to soften the line that my lipliner makes after my lipstick is applied. It blends the liner into the lipstick without having that obvious liner look that is so passe.

“One 40 gram professional makeup brush cleaner with brush scrubbing compact and storage bag.” My assessment – WOW!!! Lisa reviewed this before and I was curious but until I actually started using this I didn’t know what I was missing. This works great for all brushes but it’s perfect for brushes you use with cream products especially. It gets out gunk I thought was long gone yet keeps my brushes (from any brand) in perfect shape.

• Packaging: Includes Cosmetic Storage Bag

Vadae Everyday Brush Kit in the carrying case

This kit is a great way to either start your brush collection or add to it. There’s one brush I’d add which is the V302 – Blending Fluff

Vadae V302 Blending Fluff

“The Blending Fluff makeup brush will blend harsh lines of color into soft fading gradients. The natural goat hair bristles help apply pigment with ease for beautiful results.” I love this kind of brush and think all collections should have a blending brush like this.

For $98 ($110 if you add the Blending Fluff) you’ll be complete for your cosmetic needs. A little bit of everything and the best brush cleaner I’ve tried. What brushes are necessities for you? What brush cleaner do you use? — Marcia

That wasn’t too bad for either of us I hope. Earlier today I reviewed some of Senna’s cosmetics including their In the Mood for Nudes collection, Slipcover Foundation, HD Eye Lift and Baja Matte Bronzer. That Makeup Wars review was so long it spilled over into this one that’s specifically about the Senna brushes I have. I’ve owned 4 of these for years and I was lucky to receive 5 more from Senna.

Senna Cosmetics

Airbrush Blender brush 25 ($40) is what people call a skunk brush. It’s black bottom fibers are dense while it fills out into looser white fibers that do the work. This is a brush you need in your collection if you don’t have one already. It’s a multi-tasker that works great for bronzer and highly pigmented powders. I use it too for a highlighting powder to give an airbrush appearance. “Softly shagged dual synthetic and natural hair and dual length brush seamlessly applies and blends liquid, cream and powder foundations and bronzers.”

Senna Airbrush Blender brush 25

Foundation 39 Brush ($30) is a brush that everyone needs to have in their brush collection. It’s possible to apply foundation with your fingers but you don’t always get the ideal coverage that way. This brush is both soft and firm. The tapered point helps you in the crevices of your face, especially around your nose. It works equally well with liquid and cream formulas but it’s a necessity for a cream since your fingers just won’t cut it with something like Slipcover Foundation. If this isn’t enough to convince you, use it with moisturizer, primer or cream blush. See all the uses!!

Senna Foundation 39 Brush

Multi 24 Brush ($20) is one I didn’t know I was missing in my life until it came my way. I love this little guy. “This is the go-to tool for concealing, blending, un-smudging, priming and more.” What a treasure. You can use this at home or on the go. Just use it!! You’ll thank me.

Senna Multi 24 Brush

Angle Brush 506 ($20) is a great blush brush that I’ve had for years. It’s so soft and so accurate. “Rounded front angle covers the apples of the cheeks and narrow tapered end softly blends color off the edge of the cheek naturally.”

Senna Angle Brush 506

Baby Face 21 ($30) has been a favorite of mine for so long. I use it for everything. The size of the brush head is wonderful for blending anywhere on your face. It’s great for a pop of color on your cheeks, for a touch of powder (Senna HD Eye Lift) under your eyes, and for highlighting areas especially when contouring. “A Senna favorite and must have! An ultra-soft, pampering brush to apply loose powder in eye area to set concealers and brush on highlighter powders. Great for spot blushing and dusting color onto eyelids.”

Senna Baby Face 21

Baby Face 21

Concealer 12 ($18) is a synthetic cruelty free brush that does what it’s supposed to – it helps conceal! It’s on the firm side so that you can lay your concealer down and afterwards blend with it.

Senna Concealer 12

Deluxe Fluff 600 ($18.50) is a brush I use mostly for blending. It’s wide and soft. It’s very flexible. I’ve used it for an all over eyeshadow color but my favorite use is when my eyeshadows are all on and I use this to blend away the seams so my shadows are well blended.

Senna Deluxe Fluff 600

Detailer 623 ($27) this is one of the first brushes ever created for Senna. It was designed to give a soft liner look. I find it works better for me to use it for a hint of color under my lower lashes. It can also be used on your brows or to apply lipstick precisely.

Senna Detailer 623

Brow Pro 40 ($20) is a double ended brush that meets all your brow needs. The firm angle tip on the brush side is great for precise work with powders. I like that it’s not bigger than my brows so that I control it, it doesn’t control me. And it doesn’t hurt like some brow brushes can. The other side is a spoolie (groomer comb) so that you can brush your brows both before and after makeup application. Use it first to tame your brows and get them into shape. Then use it after with a pomade to set your brows for an all day last.

Senna Brow Pro 40

These are only a fraction of the wonderful brushes from Senna. Out of these 9 brushes my must haves are the Brow Pro, Multi-Brush and Baby Face. These are unique and incredibly helpful. Which brushes would you pick? — Marcia

Be sure you visit Makeup Wars today to learn more about Senna Cosmetics and to find out about other favorite brands from my friends.

Better late than never! The Glossybox for January 2015 is a great collection of full size and travel size skin care and cosmetics. It actually isn’t too late, you can still order the January box, thank goodness. A three-month subscription is $60, and the January Glossyboxalone has over $70 worth of products. Here is what was in the box they sent to us:

There are two sample items. The Vichy Purete Thermale 3-in-1 One Step Cleanseris a deluxe size, 1 oz. This was actually voted the best cleanser in Allure’s Best of Beauty, so I am anxious to try it out. No question this is going in my travel bag, stat! There is also a small sample size of Skin & Co Roma Truffle Therapy Serum. The sample is 0.17 oz, which is a wonderful way to try out this $80 serum. I tried it last night and this morning, hoping I wouldn’t like it because I have so many serums right now…but it felt pretty awesome. Rats.

The Kueshi Pure & Clean Revitalizing Face Toner is full size and this is a new line for me. Kueshi is a Spanish line, and this toner gets great reviews. The toner has aloe in it, so it is very gentle and healing.

Another new line for me is Lollipops. The Eye Pencil in Goodbye Moon is just darling, love the packaging! This is a retractable eyeliner that goes on smooth and has great lasting power. Goodbye Moon is a black with a slight metallic finish. Definitely a keeper!

The star of the January 2015 Glossybox is the Teez Trendy Cosmetics Beautiful Flat Stiff Brush. This is a wonderful eyeshadow brush! I love it for packing on color, and it also blends and smudges beautifully. Just check out that super cute handle. Yes, it’s trendy, but it’s also just a great brush that I am happy to have in my collection.

I love Glossybox because it really is a tremendous value, plus I love the introduction to new and niche lines. If you haven’t subscribed yet, the January Glossybox is a great way to begin.

Use the coupon code AIMODSTER15 for a Ardency Inn Modster Eyeliner Travel Size Duo with a monthly subscription to GlossyBox. – Lisa

Love a smoky eye or a cats eye but hate trying to create the look? Then Beth Bender’sGirls’ Night Out Pro Eye Makeup Stencil Set (an $81 value, normally $49.99 but right now is only $34.99!) is a set you are going to love.

This is an extremely versatile set for simple looks or for high drama evening looks. It’s super easy to make a perfect cats eye or smoky eye in about 60 seconds, no kidding.

* 1 Full size loose eyeshadow in Gunmetal or Onyx depending on color choice, mine came with Gunmetal

* 1 Cat Eyeliner Stencil/Top Eyeliner Stencil

* 1 Smokey Eye Stencil/Bottom Eyeliner Stencil

* 1 Instruction card

* 1 black zippered neoprene case(this was not included in my sample so I don’t have pics of it)

I really love the stencils – they are the stars of the kit. Here is the Smoky Eye Stencil:

Smoky Eye Stencil

Step One

Step two

The stencils are made of clear vinyl and they seem to fit just about any eye shape. I love that they sort of ‘stick’ to my skin so they are super easy to use and keep in place. With my morning pre-coffee shaky hands, perfect eyelining can be darn near impossible – but not with these babies. They are fantastic for lining with either eyeshadow or with eye pencil.

Here is the stencil for a quick, easy, and perfect cats eye look:

Cat’s Eye Stencil

first step

next step

Two – or really three – eyeshadows are included in the kit. First, there is a duo compact of eyeshadow that can be used wet or dry. There are four different duos from which to choose. My kit came with Golden Girl, a super pretty combination of shimmery peach and golden brown. I love the shades and the eyeshadow is creamy with excellent pigment.

Golden Girl Duo

Golden Girl Duo

Golden Girl Duo swatched

The kit also comes with a loose shadow in either Matte Onyx or Iridescent Gunmetal. Mine came with Iridescent Gunmetal, a shimmery dark black/grey.

Iridescent Gunmetal

Iridescent Gunmetal

Iridescent Gunmetal swatched

I find that this works best with water or a mixing medium to create a liquid liner otherwise there is too much fallout under the eyes and it tends to smudge. But wet it’s terrific and the stencils make it a dream to use.

For perfect eyelining you need great brushes and this set has two excellent options.

Pro Eyeliner and Eyeshadow Brushes

The Pro Eyeshadow Brush is a small, fluffy eyeshadow brush that is perfect for the mobile lid and for softening eyeliner up a bit. The Pro Eyeliner Brush works great for both dry and wet lining.

Pro Eyeshadow Brush

Pro Eyeliner Brush

If you struggle with eyelining, then this is a perfect set for you. If you don’t struggle but want something that makes eyelining quicker and easier, pick up Beth Bender’s Girls’ Night Out Set! I love it – and at $34.99 it is a real bargain right now. – Lisa